Fresh on the scene, aspiring West Coast female rapper Treenie B has been putting in much work as of late in anticipation of her forthcoming “official” still untitled solo debut. Having recently aligned herself with one-half of Inglewood, California’s veteran rap duo, Allfrumtha I, Binky Mack, who is currently putting the finishing touches on the album, is only further proof of what great things are still in store from this budding femcee.
When did you first become interested in music?
I became interested in music as a young child. Interested in mostly Iranian music, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Kris Kross and Coolio. Music took a while to take off in my life. … I started by writing poetry, then writing raps at about 18. Unfortunately, nobody wanted to let me in the booth but finally after leaving a party at Dr Dre’s house in Hollywood Hills at about age 24, somebody gave me an opportunity to record a few songs and I instantly fell in love with the studio.
Where do you hail from? And growing up there, who did you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I was raised in California; Los Angeles born and raised in various areas from Orange County to Visalia to Oakland. I am very multi-cultural. My strongest influences I would say were Mac Dre, Tupac , Left Eye, Missy Elliott, Madonna and Michael Jackson.
At what point in time, specifically, did you decide to pursue music on a professional level?
I think it was after doing a few shows and being approached by different managers and producers, etcetera. I decided it may be time to take it more serious.
How do you classify your overall sound or style?
My style is definitely Bay Area culture; a mix between fun, sexy and your local drug dealer. But most of all — crazy!
What particular string of events led to your initial linking up with veteran rapper-producer Binky Mack of Allfrumtha I fame?
Binky Mack’s my guy!!! Amazing individual first and foremost. I got mad love for this guy and (he’s) truly talented. But…I have been associated with Gr818tion, the Eclectic Zoo for a few years now. They are a label- management group, and they introduced us. … And it has been a blessing to work with him ever since!
In terms of your forthcoming solo debut, what can you divulge about the project at this time?
I can say that there is definitely a great amount of progression. I have learned so much and have applied new techniques in delivery to this project. I’m extremely excited for it to be finished. Binky Mack is blessing it as we speak, and I’m very anxious to hear how amazing it’s going to sound.
What do you feel you bring to the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?
I bring a great amount of energy, along with sex appeal and realness. I’m pretty uncut about everything. My life, struggles, pain, goals, etcetera. I tell it how it is, and behind this crazy, bipolar young woman there is somebody who truly hopes to make the world a better place and reach out to people who came from a struggle or are hurting as well. I believe we should empower each other, rather than destroy one another.
Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?
This question tickles me; I’ve encountered problems from the day I came out of the womb, but struggle builds character. As far as music, a few bumps in the road but I’m still pushin’.
What do you want people to get from your music?
My music is for all moods. I want people to have fun, turn up and have a good time. I also want people to learn to stop hating on one another, be productive and know that bad things happen in life but you can make it better. Sometimes I rap about being crazy and going nuts; I want people to know it’s okay to feel all these emotions, we all go through it.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
This is such a hard question, but I would have to say Tupac and the reason is that I feel very similar to him; his pain. And, he started as a poet and the world kind of takes a toll on you and can rough you up a bit. Also, his views on society and the government are similar to mine. He just wanted to see change and he was making a change. I would love to sit and talk and collab with him if he was here; that would be surreal.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
I would have to say the Hollywood Bowl, only because that’s where I truly started doing music and I would love to do a big concert in the same city!
What’s one track that you think defines you and why?
“Go Hard” is definitely the one that stands out. It focuses on my pain and my struggle…On the truths that most people aren’t willing to give the world.
In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will help to sustain you in this grueling business of music?
My ambition and drive and faith in myself have been the fuel so far. I am very business minded and creative and love to learn new things, which is extremely helpful in this industry. I’ve had close loved ones help me along the way and now having a mentor such as Binky Mack, it has given me much more knowledge and wisdom about the industry.
Do you have any other outside or additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I’ve wanted to start a non profit organization to help children from abuse and drug abuse families and young women who have been domestically abused, and support children to learn to play musical instruments or engineering if their household can’t afford it, etcetera. I also want to design my own clothing line and start my own make-up line. Last but not least, I would love to have a small cafe somewhere because I enjoy cooking and making recipes.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?
I would have to say opening for TeeFlii at Shark Club in Costa Mesa, California.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop? And, even more specifically, women in rap, or the lack thereof?
Hip-hop will never be the same as my childhood. Nuff said! But, I can vibe to it, ya dig? And, I would love to see more female artists. We have a lot on our mind we can dig deep.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Alive, I hope. This is my least favorite question, because I’m not a planner, I’m a doer. Hella unorganized and chaotic! Hopefully, a business owner and successful music artist with a few mini mes that’s aren’t “so me” running around.
As for the immediate, what’s next for Treenie B?
Next for me, dropping this album. Still unnamed. There’s the unorganized part. … A few music videos dropping. Trying to get on some bigger venues and get myself seen and heard!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Just how amazing I am.
Any closing thought(s) for our readers?
Stay strong, stay positive. Love yourself, have faith. Don’t listen to the haters, they’re so so bored. Stand up for yourself. Enjoy life, have fun. Turn up and listen to Treenie B!! Shout–out to Binky Mack, Gr818tion, Play OTP, love my family and my fans, Thank you God every day!!!!!!
